Large law firms in Chicago continue to contract their space as new workplace strategies allow for more efficiencies, and, provide firms the opportunity to attract new talent with more appealing and innovative layouts and designs, according to a recent report from CBRE.

Law firms, especially those requiring 75,000 square feet or more, continue to increase efficiency by reducing square-footage per attorney when opportunities arise. In the past 24 months in Chicago, approximately 70 percent of these large law firms have contracted their space when completing a lease transaction. Currently, the 25 largest law firms by square footage in Chicago average 800 square feet per attorney. As the downsizing trend continues, firms are aiming to achieve 550-650 square feet.

“Law firms are continuing to drive for efficiency with their space and we don’t see this trend changing anytime soon,” said Todd Lippman, vice chairman with CBRE and member of the firm’s Law Firm Practice Group. “As more law firms see the benefits of adopting new workplace strategies, both for financial and functional purposes, the square footage per attorney will continue to decrease and firms will be able to do more with less space.”

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